Coming out :/

Hey I bet there already are forums about coming out but I couldn't find them so I'll start a new one. Lately I've been thinking about coming out but the place I live in is really homophobic, neither do I know how my friends and family will react. Does anyone have any tips for me or something else please place the comment or send me a message if you think its urgent. Thank you!

I am still in the process of telling people. Honestly man; it's gone really really well. I have had nothing but positive reactions. It's not even like I have a diverse group of friends either. Most probably voted for Romney in the last election hahaha. That being said me being out has without a doubt changed their opinion on lgbt people. It's also an amazing feeling to be 100%comfortable being me. Honestly it doesn't matter how you tell people, just that you do. It's your journey not theirs. I have told several friends via a very long personalized text to which I got a phone call shortly following. A few we're mildly offended that I did it that way but they got over it. Coming out is about you not them. I felt a text would give them a chance to process the information and respond in their own time. They all called within a very brief time period. I also told several friends face to face. The reactions were pretty relaxed about the whole thing. I do not regret coming out in the slightest but I do regret waiting to.

I think it is important for people to come out to the people in their lives for the very reasons seanboe1 discusses.

However, since you are only 18 there are some very practical concerns you need to consider.

I don't know your parents, but you do so you need to be prepared to manage whatever situations may arise. If you are financially dependent on your parents for housing or education, you may need to have alternatives available to you should they decide to break ties with you.

Certainly, it would not hurt to see if any LGBT organizations provide support for individuals coming out as angrygarbagestateresident suggested.

Also there are online resources that provide more detailed information about the coming out process so you have some idea what you may be up against. No one can predict exactly what will happen with your parents and friends, but it doesn't hurt to have some idea of what can happen. Here is one site that provides some guidance: http://glbtss.colostate.edu/coming-out-to-your-parents

A quick google on the coming out process will provide a list of other resources.

Other than that, it is really just a matter of taking the plunge and letting the chips fall where they may. I can tell you that my own experience was easy and without loss of friends or family.